With PRK, the corneal epithelium is removed and discarded, allowing the cells to regenerate after the surgery. The procedure is distinct from LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis), a form of laser eye surgery where a permanent flap is created in the deeper layers of the cornea.

PRK was the first vision procedure performed using the Excimer laser, and is still widely practiced today. It remains the procedure of choice for patients whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK.